Engineering Leader · People Manager · L6

Shivani
Elmes

MBA · PMP · 15 years

Engineering leader with 15 years building and scaling high-performing teams. Known for creating clarity in ambiguity, developing talent, and driving org-wide transformation — from Series B startups to FAANG at scale.

15 Years Experience
97% Forecast Accuracy
80% Productivity Boost
Shivani Elmes
50%
Team Performance Improvement
465+
Employees Led Across Teams
$30K
Annual Savings Driven by Automation
4+
Languages Spoken Natively

Leadership Journey

Leadership Experience

Senior Technical Program Manager (L6)
GenAI Applications Security
Jan 2023 — Present
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Led GenAI application security initiatives, launching key features and implementing testing frameworks for various models.
  • Improved team performance by 50% in delivery timelines through agile methodologies and data-driven metrics.
  • Conducted Monthly Business Reviews to present GenAI progress to executives and align with strategic goals.
  • Fostered cross-functional partnerships to develop continuous testing tools, reducing testing time from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
Senior Security Program Manager (II)
Pre Launch AppSec
Apr 2021 — Dec 2022
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Managed AWS Pentesting teams as Chief of Staff, boosting productivity by 80%.
  • Created metrics for leadership to track quality and utilization across the organization.
  • Enhanced efficiency by automating pentest scheduling, saving 16 hours weekly and $30,000 annually.
  • Developed a forecasting model with 97% accuracy for pentester demand vs. capacity.
Senior Technical Program Manager
Engineering
Sep 2019 — Apr 2021
Magnet Forensics
  • Spearheaded four successful product launches with a revenue potential of $1.2M.
  • Enhanced sprint velocity by 25% by implementing agile metrics.
  • Provided program updates to L10 level leaders and discussed options to keep releases on track.
  • Optimized release management to save 8 hours per release.
Technical Program Manager, Software
Jan 2018 — Aug 2019
North (Google)
  • Successfully managed projects across the entire SDLC leading to the launch of Focals AR glasses and their sizing app.
  • Introduced innovative sizing solution recognized by Forbes, Wired, and The Verge.
  • Ensured timely feature delivery, contributing to securing Series B funding.
  • Conducted weekly program reviews with executive team to oversee program status and resource plans.
Co-Founder, Technical Product Manager
Jan 2016 — Jan 2018
Slug Software
  • Developed the SkateSkan CRM app, boosting client sales by 30%.
  • Conducted customer analysis and gathered beta feedback to shape the product roadmap.
  • Transformed concepts and customer input into actionable product features.
Project Manager, Applications Test Engineering
Aug 2012 — Mar 2016
BlackBerry
  • Managed release schedules and security features for 13 cross-functional teams with 465 employees in the SVVT organization.

Leadership Capabilities

Leading with Impact

🎯
Executive Presence
Presenting to C-suite and L10 leaders; driving Monthly Business Reviews and board-level program updates.
⚡
Team Building & Coaching
Growing and developing cross-functional teams of 465+, boosting productivity by up to 80% through people-first leadership.
🔐
Org Transformation
Driving cultural and operational change — automation, agile adoption, and process redesign that saves tens of thousands annually.
📊
Strategic Decision-Making
Data-driven leadership using forecasting models, QuickSight dashboards, and 97%-accurate capacity planning.
🤝
Influencing Without Authority
Rallying engineers, PMs, and executives across time zones toward a shared vision — even in highly ambiguous environments.
🚀
High-Stakes Delivery
Led 4+ major product launches — including a Forbes/Wired-covered AR launch — while securing Series B funding through on-time delivery.

Toolbox

Smartsheets Jira Confluence MS Project Asana Amazon QuickSight GenAI Frameworks Agile / Scrum Security Testing Forecasting Models

Academic Profile

Education & Certifications

2020
Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMI — Member in Good Standing
2014 – 2017
MBA — Marketing & Business Strategy
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario
2007 – 2012
Honors B.A. — Digital Enterprise Management
University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario

Beyond Work

The Full Picture

🌍 Languages

Native fluency across four languages — a natural asset in global, cross-cultural teams.

English Hindi Punjabi Gujarati

🏒 Interests

Avid reader and writer. Competitive in curling and table tennis — bringing the same strategic thinking from the boardroom to the rink.